Petition reply - Revoke criminalization of civil society and unfreeze funding in Palestina

Dear Petitioner,

Thank you for your message to the High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell. I

have been asked to reply on his behalf.

You will have seen the Statement of 25 October 2021(1). We have been in touch with

Israeli authorities to seek clarifications on their allegations and have analysed the

information provided.

Past allegations of the misuse of EU funds in relation to Palestinian civil society

organisations’ partners have not been substantiated.

Civil society is an essential contributor to good governance and sustainable development

in Palestine. The European engagement to contribute to an enabling environment for civil

society and a strong, inclusive and democratic Palestinian institutions remains steadfast

as confirmed by the most recent EU statement to the UN Security Council (2). The EU

values its longstanding support and structured dialogue with Palestinian civil society

organisations.

(1) https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelpalestine-statement-spokesperson-listing-six-palestinian-organisations-terrorist_en

(2) https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-new-york/eu-statement-%E2%80%93-un-security-council-open-debate-middle-east-including_en?s=63